Another strong performance from the Czech on the second mountain top finish of the Italian Grand Tour.
Prati di Tivo returned at the Corsa Rosa after almost five decades, and with it, also Jan Hirt in the upper part of the general classification, thanks to another big ride, just like the one he put in on Santuario di Oropa, last weekend.
Up until the early slopes of the ascent which the riders know better from Tirreno-Adriatico, the day belonged to a numerous breakaway that formed under the impetus of Julian Alaphilippe. The most combative rider of stage six, Loulou attacked countless times in the first hour of the race and was decisive in a numerous group going clear and staying away until the last 15 kilometers, before being caught by a peloton who meant business on Saturday.
One of the most experienced riders on the Soudal Quick-Step team for the first Grand Tour of the season, Jan climbed with the best on what was another fast and hard day of racing – one that had the potential to break the race apart – staying with the front group until 1500 meters to go, when the numerous skirmishes between the GC contenders led to some gaps opening. Hirt didn’t panic, choosing to continue pace his effort very smartly, and this allowed him to limit the damage to just a couple of seconds, as Tadej Pogacar UAE Team Emirates) took the victory.
Runner-up at the Tour of Oman in February, the 33-year-old Czech gained three places thanks to his solid display on Prati di Tivo and edged his way back in the overall standings after dropping a couple of positions following Friday’s individual time trial. Jan now sits in tenth place ahead of the Naples stage, coming just before a well-deserved rest day.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
Jan Hirt 